Last week I met with Hannah Hess, a staffer for Mimi Walters. Mimi Walters is the representative for our area, and unfortunately, she is not a co-sponsor for HR 1942, the SAFE Act.
I met Hess in Walter’s office in Irvine. I was somewhat surprised that Hess was not familiar with the bill, so I reviewed the information about the bill and how it would prevent horses from being transported over the borders and slaughtered. She was very friendly and polite and I discussed the reasons why the SAFE Act was so important, including the fact that horse meat IS toxic, and has been found in our food supply (a study done by Chapman University in 2015 found horse meat in two samples of meat sold in California). I focused on the health issues primarily, but also noted that there are hundreds of horses in Orange County alone, housed in public and private stables as well as in people’s backyards. We spend tens of thousands of dollars on our horses every year, and the simple fact is that we do not want our horses to go to slaughter.
I am hopeful that Walters will decide to co-sponsor the SAFE Act. In all honesty, I’m not certain why she would not choose to support it as so many of her constituents (you), support the bill. It would be so very helpful, however, if you live in the area, if you could lend your voice and ask Mimi Walters to support the SAFE Act. All you have to do is call: (949) 263-8703. Just say that you are a constituent, and you would like Mimi Walters to please support HR 1942, the SAFE Act.
If you are not in our district, please contact your representative and tell him or her to please co-sponsor the SAFE Act. If you are nervous about talking to a staffer (don’t be- they’re nice!), you can call after 5pm and leave a polite message asking your representative to please co-sponsor the SAFE Act. Please visit our SAFE Act page for more information.
You may also notice our new campaign: The 50 States of SAFE. In this campaign we are noting how many representatives from each state support the SAFE Act. PLEASE contact the representatives in your area and tell them to please support the SAFE Act- many states have ZERO co-sponsors!
We often get frustrated at our representatives, and wonder why they do not work for us, but the simple truth is that we have to tell them what we want! Please call your representative today and ask him or her to sponsor HR 1942, the SAFE Act. It will only take two minutes, and it could end up saving a horse’s life.
Elizabeth Zarkos
President and Founder, Hanaeleh